Travel to any of the wilderness cabins requires preparation and planning! Visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/wilderness-cabins.htm
Each cabin is equipped with 12 padded bunks, one long dining table, and a system of lockers for assignment of wood. Not pictured in the kitchen: wood stove, propane stove, and sink.
Palikū Cabin

Haleakalā National Park Cabins

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Cabins book well in advance, and reservations are non-transferable.

Hydrologic Outlook issued April 5 at 2:39PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

April 5th, 2:39 PM — 5:00 AM

ESFHFO A significant pattern change is expected to begin Tuesday as an upper disturbance and surface low pressure system evolve northwest of the islands. This system is expected to draw deep tropical moisture northward over the state, leading to an extended period of moderate to breezy southerly winds, increasing chances for widespread rainfall, and renewed flooding concerns from late Tuesday through next weekend. Now is a good time to prepare for possible flooding impacts: - Clear gutters, storm drains, culverts, and drainage areas of debris to improve water flow - Move valuable items out of low-lying or flood-prone areas - Check pumps, generators, and emergency equipment to ensure they are operational - Take stock of emergency supplies, including food, water, medications, flashlights, and backup power sources - Review family emergency plans and check on neighbors and family, especially those in flood-prone locations Residents living near streams, rivers, gulches, valleys, ravines, and flood-prone areas should remain especially alert and be prepared to move to higher ground if flash flooding develops. This outlook will be updated daily or sooner if needed. Stay up to date with the latest forecast information through weather.gov/hawaii, local media, social media, and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts.

Fire Ban in Hosmer Campground

Due to severe fire danger, all open fires (including grills) are banned in Hosmer Campground until further notice.

Expect Long Waits at the Summit Entrance Station Before Sunset

Due to a high volume of traffic, cars may be temporarily turned around at the gate when capacity is reached. Purchasing a pass online does not guarantee entry at sunset. To ensure timely access, arrive 3 hours before sunset. 

No Water in the Hōlua Area

As of August 8, 2025, there is NO water in the Hōlua area (Patrol and Visitor Cabins). This is the result of an extremely dry summer season. All backcountry travelers should plan to pack in all needed water when traveling through the Hōlua Area.

Hosmer Grove Water Fountain

As of August 15, 2025, the water fountain at Hosmer Grove is offline. There is potable water available at the spigots in the campground area.

Paving on Crater Road (Route 378)

Paving has begun on the road to the Summit District. Work will be done in sections between Mile Post 0 in Kula and Haleakalā entrance through October. Expect delays and leave extra time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drive Cautiously - Endangered Birds on Roadway

Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) and ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) are nesting in the park and may land on or frequent park roads, parking lots, and road leading up to the park. Drivers are reminded to drive at the posted speed limits and exercise caution.

Hydrologic Outlook issued April 4 at 8:55AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

April 4th, 8:55 AM — April 7th, 6:00 PM

ESFHFO Southerly winds associated with low pressure developing northwest of the islands will draw a very moist tropical airmass northward early next week. This will bring periods of heavy rain and a risk of flash flooding. The most likely period for significant impacts is Wednesday night through Thursday night. However, afternoon shower development over island interiors on Tuesday may be heavy as well. The duration of flooding potential remains less certain than usual as deep moisture remains over the state into the middle of April leading to potential for additional waves of heavy rain next weekend or beyond. Now would be a good time to clear storm drains, culverts, and other drainage areas of debris to help reduce localized flooding. This outlook will be updated daily or sooner if needed. Stay up to date with the latest forecast information through weather.gov/hawaii, local media, social media, or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts.

About

Located within Haleakalā crater on Maui, these three wilderness cabins provide a unique backcountry experience in one of the quietest natural places on earth. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, each cabin is equipped with 12 padded bunks, a long dining table, lockers, wood-burning stove, cooking utensils and dishes, pit toilets, and limited water and firewood. Hōlua Cabin sits at 6,940 feet in native shrubland at the base of the crater wall near Koʻolau Gap. It's the most accessible cabin at 3.7 miles one-way via the Halemauʻu Trail. Kapalaoa Cabin perches at 7,250 feet near Kaupō Gap in a grass field, reached via 5.6 miles on the Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail. Palikū Cabin at 6,380 feet sits at the base of a rainforest cliff on the crater's east end, requiring the most strenuous hike at 9.3 miles one-way. Each location offers distinct ecosystems and exceptional night sky viewing. Trails feature steep terrain with loose cinders and rocks. Weather changes rapidly with temperatures ranging from 30-70°F, and winds can exceed 80 mph during storms. Hikers should plan twice as long to hike out due to soft sandy trails and elevation changes. Pack animals are permitted on designated trails. Backcountry users must enter the park no earlier than 7 am unless they hold a sunrise reservation. For Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā is sacred, and visitors should treat the entire area with reverence.

Directions

From Kahului, take Hana Highway (SR36) for 2.0 miles toward Hana. Turn right onto Haleakala Highway (SR37) and travel 7.8 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 377 and travel 6 miles. Turn left onto Crater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Continue 9.9 miles to the park entrance station. The summit is 11 miles beyond the entrance station. Cabins are accessible only by hiking trails from the summit area.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (808) 572-4400

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Travel to any of the wilderness cabins requires preparation and planning! Visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/wilderness-cabins.htm
Each cabin is equipped with 12 padded bunks, one long dining table, and a system of lockers for assignment of wood. Not pictured in the kitchen: wood stove, propane stove, and sink.
Palikū Cabin
Hōlua Cabin
Kapalaoa cabin is reached via a roughly 6 mile hike from Keoneheʻeheʻe or sliding sands trailhead.
Haleakalā National Park
Hōlua cabin is reached via a 4 mile hike from the Halemauʻu Trailhead.
Wilderness cabins are located in the crater of Haleakalā National Park.
Kapalaoa Cabin

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!